Professional teeth whitening is the most effective type of whitening treatment. Providing dramatic results in as little as one treatment, dental-grade teeth whitening is the fastest way to improve your smile.
Once you’ve achieved your desired shade of white, how long will they stay that way? Learn how long your results last and more about professional teeth whitening.
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
There are two types of teeth whitening treatments provided by dentists:
- In-office treatment. In-office treatment is applied by your dentist in a single appointment. A rubber guard or protective gel is applied to the gums to prevent irritation to the soft tissues. Then the whitening agent is applied to the teeth and a UV light is used to accelerate your results. Your teeth will be shades whiter by the time you leave the office.
- At-home treatment. Professional whitening treatment for home use comes with a custom tray that fits your teeth in order to apply the whitening agent evenly. You will wear your whitening trays once a day for about 2 weeks or until you reach the desired shade of white. They can be worn at night or just for a few minutes while you watch TV.
How Long Will My Teeth Stay White After Treatment?
The longest lasting results come from professional in-office treatment. You can expect your teeth to stay white for anywhere from 1-3 years. After take-home treatment your results may last up to a year.
Maintaining Your Results
There are steps you can take to keep your teeth looking white longer after treatment:
- Keep your teeth clean. Your results will last longer if you brush your teeth twice a day. Removing plaque from your teeth prevents staining.
- Use a touch-up kit. Professional teeth whitening treatments come with a touch-up kit that can be used between treatments to keep your teeth looking white.
- Avoid certain foods and beverages. Avoiding teeth-staining foods and beverages can prolong your results. Coffee, tea, red wine, grape juice, dark berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce are some examples.
- Go to the dentist regularly. Having your teeth professionally cleaned and polished every 6 months will help maintain your teeth whitening results.
- Use whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste is not as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments, but it can help maintain your results when used daily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Does teeth whitening make your teeth sensitive?
Professional treatments contain a whitening ingredient that is gentle on the teeth while still achieving results. Mild sensitivity may occur for some, but sensitive toothpaste can provide relief when used for a few days or weeks after treatment.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
If your teeth are healthy and not in need of any restorative procedures, you may be a good candidate for teeth whitening. It is important to be aware that whitening treatments will have no effect on fillings or dental prosthetics, and may not be effective on severe tooth stains.
Do You Want a Whiter Smile?
If you are interested in teeth whitening treatment, R. Renan Williams, DDS provides both in-office and take-home treatment options. We carefully apply in-office whitening for safe and natural looking results.
Call 817-281-4801 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.